rokkitboosta

My grandfather, a WWII European Theater Vet (7th armored, Tank Commander), was one of the most anti-war people I knew.

One exchange that sticks in my mind was post 9/11 pre gulf war II. My father, in a fit of jingoistic fervor, remarked that I (having just graduated highschool) needed to go right down and enlist in front of my grandfather.

My grandfather loudly called my father an idiot and told him that was the stupidest thing he'd ever heard him say.

I think it's largely that with my dad. He was too young for the height of Vietnam. I imagine my grandfather discouraged his older brothers and none were drafted.

We were all guilty of being insanely proud of my Grandfather's service (and he rightly deserved praise for it), but he never was. It was just something he did. I had a history professor that was a former Marine Lt. Col. who served in vietnam who similarly idolized WWII vets that told me to thank him on his behalf for "Winning the war for us". Ever dutiful (come to think of it, this was probably the last time I ever spoke to my grandfather), I relayed the Lt. Col's message. My grandfather gave me an odd look and said "I didn't win any damn wars."

I found out later that at some point, my Grandfather's Sherman was hit during the war and he was the only one from his crew to live. The way he viewed the war, his contributions, reactions to being called a hero, and his views on future wars came clearly into focus after that.

I am an engineer with ULA. I think I actually had that much time in KSP at the time of my hiring.

I am in production, not design at the moment. So, thankfully, no one has to deal with any insane, KSP fueled ideas.

Looks like I have 345 hours at this point. I am an addict.